The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) Program began in 1962 under the endorsement of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The nationwide program is administered annually by the Academy of Applied Science, with further support provided by the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force. JSHS promotes original research and experimentation by high school students in a variety of disciplines, including the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The program aims to broaden the appeal of independent research and publicly recognize talent that emerges from the future leaders of America.

The JSHS mission focuses on exposing and signifying the importance of research to the younger population while recognizing humane and ethical principles that must be considered in research applications. By honoring the investigative accomplishments of high school students, the JSHS aims to encourage the renewed interest and participation in research studies throughout and beyond college. Students gain an early exposure to academic, industrial, and governmental opportunities, in turn furthering the expansion of scientific, engineering, and mathematical horizons.

The 48 JSHS regional symposia, held at universities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense Schools of Europe and the Pacific Rim, occur during the academic year and involve over 10,000 high school students and teachers. Features of regional participation include interactions with specialized professionals from a vast array of fields, development of higher-order thinking skills, participation in a scientific conference, and exposure to a multitude of diverse students of the highest caliber with similar scientific interests. At the same time, students gain the opportunity to write a scientific paper, present their research findings orally, and have their results published in the national symposium abstract book. Advancement to the national level enables students the opportunity to gain prestige in the scientific world and to compete for significant monetary prizes.